Obama's tree gift uprooted by Israeli agricultural ministry (Updated)

By Donovan Slack

03/20/13 04:07 PM EDT

President Obama participated in a tree-planting ceremony at the residence of Israeli President Shimon Peres on Wednesday, but the tree was ordered uprooted by the Israeli agricultural ministry because it had not passed proper testing, according to the Israeli website Ynet. (See update below)

Obama brought the sapling magnolia tree from the United States aboard Air Force One, and upon its planting, told Peres "It is an incredible honor to offer this tree to this beautiful garden, and to someone who is champion of the Israeli people and a champion of peace."

But Ynet reported that the tree was soon ordered uprooted to undergo testing for pests.

"As President of the United States Barack Obama has brought the plant with him and because agricultural products are not allowed into Israel from abroad without passing inspection -- for fear diseases or pests are found on the plant itself -- it will be uprooted for testing," the Ministry of Agriculture explained, according to a rough translation of the Ynet report.

It will be returned to Peres's residence if it passes testing, although that could take months, Ynet said.

A White House official did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

UPDATE (Thursday 9:01 a.m.): The Israeli government says it won't uproot the tree to conduct the testing. More here.